Don’t be those people that spend the day driving around Grand Teton National park’s loop road, only stopping at the viewpoints, maybe seeing an elk or bison and calling it a day. To understand the majesty of Teton Valley, you need to get into it. Go for a hike, get out on the water, breathe in the mountain air. If you only have one day in Grand Teton National Park, don’t make the mistake of trying to see everything. Your only goal for the day should be to try to experience the best parts of the park. Here is what I would recommend doing with your 24 hours.
Taggart Lake
One could reasonably assume that due to the overabundance of hiking trails in Grand Teton National Park, it would be a challenge to pick just one. Well, assumptions make an ass out of “U” and “me.” It turns out it is quite easy to make this decision. If you only have 24 hours in the park, your first activity should be hiking to Taggart Lake. At just over 5 miles, the Taggart Lake loop trail leads you to not one, but two alpine lakes and serves you unmatched views of the entire Teton Range throughout the majority of the hike. For more on Taggart Lake click here.
Jackson Lake Boat Ride
Your legs may be a little sore from the hike, so it’s time kick back and let someone else do the touring for awhile. Head to Colter Bay and catch the scenic Boat ride on Jackson Lake. On this two-hour boat ride, you’ll be whisked away into some of the remote areas in the park. These enchanted spots are typically only accessible by boat. Along the way, your guide will spout fascinating facts about the history of Grand Teton National Park and regale you with stories of pioneers past.
Mormon Row
You’ve traveled by foot and by boat, now travel back in time. Under the shadow of the Grand Teton Peak sits Mormon Row. A well-preserved town sliced right out of the late 1800s. Undoubtedly you’ll recognize the area from all the postcards, magazines, and Instagram shots of the antique barns dwarfed in the closeness of the snowcapped mountains behind them. The Mormons sure knew how to homestead. I would not mind waking up to that view every morning. With a picturesque view and a rich historical significance, Mormon Row is a must-see attraction.
Snake River Overlook
There are plenty of viewpoints to stop at while driving around the park, but save the best for last. As the sun begins to set behind the Tetons, take a drive to the Snake River Overlook. This view embodies the beauty of Grand Teton National Park. See it’s wild snaking river, fields of green and gold, and the tops of its jagged mountains that cut the sky in half.
Looking Back on Your One Day in Grand Teton National Park
Accomplish these four things during your one day in Grand Teton National Park, and you will feel like you genuinely experienced a slice of the western wilderness. So go out, get your boots dirty, get some lake mist in your face, and retrace the footsteps of the valley’s pioneers.
If you have some more time to spend in Grand Teton National Park, check out our 3-Day Itinerary.
Chad can be summed up by his idea of a perfect day: Waking up early to watch the sunrise over the mountains, warm cup of coffee in hand then grabbing his camera and fly rod, hitting the trail to explore some uncharted territory followed by cold beers and campfire steaks. Chad is often joined on his adventures by his wife, Tori, and their dog, Kona.
